Dry skin is mostly a temporary condition, but a pretty annoying one! Some of you may get it only in winters - but it may also be a lifelong condition for some. Although the skin is mostly the driest on your arms and lower legs, but this too varies from person to person. In addition to that, the signs and symptoms of dry skin also depend on your age, your health, time spent outdoors, the cause of the problem as well as where you live.
Dry skin is likely to cause either one or more of the these effects - a feeling of skin tightness, especially after bathing or swimming, skin that looks and feel rough, itching (pruritus), redness, slight to severe flaking, scaling or peeling of the skin, fine lines or cracks, gray, ashy skin in people with dark skin, and in extreme cases deep cracks that may bleed.
Usually, most cases of dry skin (xerosis) have an environmental cause, but certain diseases can also significantly make your skin dry.
In general, your skin hits its driest mode in winter, when the temperature and humidity levels plummet. This isn't the case always, though, the reverse may happen if you live in desert regions because the temperatures over there can soar and humidity levels can remain low.
Wood-burning stoves, central heating, space heaters and fireplaces all add in the reduction of humidity and end up drying your skin. Taking steaming hot long showers or baths may be soul satisfying but they too can dry your skin. So can frequent swimming - especially in heavily chlorinated pools.
Many soaps, detergents, and dishwashers that you use on a daily base strip moisture from your skin. The antibacterial and deodorant soaps are usually the most damaging ones. Similarly, if you're a victim of dry scalp, the culprit behind it may be your shampoo.
Kind of obvious, that sun too sucks the moisture from your skin, and its ultraviolet (UV) radiations penetrate far beyond just the top layer of your skin. Therefore, the most significant damage occurs deep within your skin leading to loose, sagging skin as well as premature wrinkles.
People with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or a condition marked by a rapid buildup of dry, rough and dead skin cells that form thick scales (psoriasis) are prone to dry skin.
Easy tips recommended by dermatologists for healing and preventing dry skin.
Olive oil contains healthy fatty acids and plenty of antioxidants that are great for your skin. It can effectively soothe and condition dry skin all over your body. To deal with really dry skin, when you apply moisturizer, try dabbing a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil under it.
Another thing that you can try - rub or lightly massage some olive oil over your entire body or specific areas that are prone to dryness (legs, arms, tummy) about half an hour before hopping in the shower. After showering, apply a thin layer of moisturizer.
Or make a hassle free homemade scrub for flaky skin - take about four tablespoons of fine brown sugar and add to it two tablespoons of olive oil. Rub this mix over dry areas using gentle circular motions for a few minutes. Apply a light layer of moisturizer after taking a shower.
The presence of lactic acid in milk cream helps in exfoliating dry skin. The naturally soothing effect of milk cream also helps in preserving your skin's delicate pH levels. Along with all these excellent benefits, milk cream is also an awesome moisturizer.
Here's what you can try with milk cream - for people who have dry skin mostly on their arms and legs - take one teaspoonful of milk and two teaspoons of cream and add a few drops of lemon juice to it. Rub it on your arms and legs and let it stay on for a while before showering.
Another thing you can do with milk cream is - take three or four tablespoons of gram flour and add enough milk cream to it, good enough to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on your hands, legs, and face and leave it on for about fifteen minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. (Do this once every day).
Milk also has naturally soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that aid greatly in getting rid of the dry and itchy skin. Along with that, the lactic acid which is also present in milk exfoliates dead skin cells and increases your skin's ability to retain moisture. Also, it has an added perk, it helps lighten your complexion.
Soak a washcloth in cold milk and put it on areas that are affected with dry skin for five to seven minutes. Gently wash off the milk using another cloth soaked in lukewarm water. Milk, which is a natural moisturizer, will remain on your skin this way. Do this every other day for a generally dry skin.
Another thing that you can do is - add a few drops of rose water to about four tablespoons of milk and rub this solution all over your body. Leave it on for almost ten to twelve minutes and wash your body with cold water. For seriously dry skin, follow this remedy twice daily.
Aloe Vera contains antiseptic, antifungal and soothing properties that can lend a helping hand while combating with dry, irritated skin and prevent flaking. Since your skin needs a proper amount of nutrition of its own. If you include Aloe Vera you're your personal care regimen it can do wonders for your skin. It can treat, restore, exfoliate, reveal and provide constant nutrition to your skin. Did you know that Ayurvedic treatment refers to Aloe Vera as the miracle herb? It's because it can be used to treat minor cuts, wounds, dry skin and severe burns.
Aloe Vera is rich in beta carotene and Vitamin C & E. These nutrients provide you with nourishing and anti-ageing qualities. It moisturizes your skin without making it greasy.
This easy home remedy will provide your skin with the moisture that it lacks and form a protective layer which will keep your skin free from any kind of impurities - take a fresh aloe Vera leaf, cut it open and squeeze the gel out of it. Apply the gel on your dry skin and let it sit for around 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse it off using lukewarm water (try to do this twice daily).
Almond oil is an awesome source of vitamin E and, is, therefore, considered to be the best emollient and lubricator for dry skin. Along with that, its antioxidant property is excellent for your skin's overall health. Another thing I love about this oil is that it is non-greasy gets easily absorbed into the skin.
Warm some pure almond oil (it should be warm, not scalding hot). Massage the warm oil on your body about half hour before bathing. After you're done bathing, apply a light layer of moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Do this each time you before you take a shower or bathe.
You can also mix one teaspoon of almond oil in a glass of warm milk and drink it up before going to bed. If you make a regular habit of having warm milk and almond oil before bed, it'll be a boon for your dry skin and you'll also sleep soundly.
But keep in mind that if you're allergic to almonds then you must not use almond oil either.
Honey is considered as one of the best moisturizers that nature offers, it is loaded with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and humectant properties. It thus helps in locking in moisture, making your skin soft and smooth. What's more is that honey contains various essential vitamins and minerals that assist in improving your skin's health.
Like most of the above-mentioned remedies, take some honey and rub it all over the dry areas of your skin and let it stay on for about ten to twelve minutes and then shower it off. Repeat it every day to enjoy healthy skin.
Hi! I’m Gunjan, a self-proclaimed tea fanatic and intrigued with alternative ways to lead a healthy life. I firmly believe that we should take care of our bodies because it’s the only place we live in.
